Our local Hastings Entertainment, which was already one of the largest in the nation, moved recently to the vacated-then-renovated building across the street where one of our Albertsons stores used to be. I just checked it out for the first time, and guess what? They are selling RECORDS! Yes, sweet vinyl! I felt young again, thumbing through them. Granted, it’s a very small area of real estate, but I walked out with 2 albums and Randy with 1. I am in deep trouble. Good thing it’s not closer to my house. Sheesh! I got X&Y and Rush of Blood to the Head, both by Coldplay, on vinyl. Yes, I had the cd’s but THIS IS 180-GRAM AUDIOPHILE QUALITY VINYL, BABY!  Plus, we don’t have to order and pay shipping like we usually do.  Instant grat, too!  Randy got a brand spanking new pressing of Steve Miller Band’s Greatest Hits. Our vinyl version isn’t the best quality. Oh, there were more titles I “needed,” but my poor little checking account couldn’t handle it. The 70s prices haven’t come back, unfortunately. I remember when LPs were $5.99 and if you were lucky, you could get one in the cut-out bin for $1.99 or so. But hey, this is really something, the resurgence of vinyl. I hope it lasts awhile. People are so fickle. But I digress, yet again.

The store is even bigger, more modern, and…wait for it…they have a coffee store (dare I hope for wireless?)! Man, so many of my favorite things in one building. My eyes were glazing over. Books, records, coffee, magazines, cards, oh my! I could’ve spent hours. Oh dear me.

Big fun…at least for sentimental me.

Our kitchen faucet broke off in Randy’s hand last night. He has a remote from 4-6 p.m. today and another one from 1 to 3 p.m. tomorrow. He thinks sometime in between he’s going to be Mr. Handyman.

This is almost as exciting as replacing my toilet paper holder a few weeks ago. I don’t know if I can take the anticipation.

We had our first real “cool front” of the year move through on Tuesday night. The wind was out of the north all day yesterday, but the real treat was the low-60s temp this morning. I was amazed at how bright the stars were as I stepped outside at around 5 a.m. The wind had stopped and it was clear with a few wispy clouds reflecting the lights of the city just to our north. Ethereal.

Unfortunately, more hot weather will be in evidence as summer holds on. I am ready for it to give it up. LOL

Hard to believe the West Texas Fair starts today. Another sign of autumn. Not that I ever go to the Fair, I just like being reminded that summer is almost outta here! Bring on the scented candles, blankets, and fireplace…and homemade chili! (Must wait a little while longer for some of these…)

Cartoon by Dave Walker. Find more cartoons you can freely re-use on your blog at We Blog Cartoons.